Ii

Hail, hail!... Where the horizon fades and glows, Last night I seemed to see you standing, Sweet. Light mantled you from starry head to feet; Aureoles bound your brows, pale flame on Snows. Belovèd,--in your hand you held a Rose, No flower immortal, red as hearts that beat For earthly love, nor know the winding-sheet. Who loves, who has been loved, the Symbol knows! As you came toward me, with the Rose, royal, Faint heart took cheer;--cheeks wan with sullen grief Grew bright with thought of Bliss beyond the Veil. Nirvana holds no lover’s heart in thrall. I wear the Rose, a kiss, each crimson leaf Warm with your lips.... Hail my Beloved!... Hail!